Our People

Our Staff
CEL’s directors, designers and administrative staff are based in our offices close to Manchester Airport.
Brendan Murden
Managing Director
Extensive experience of helping organisations, mainly in the public sector, improve their performance. Consulting with leaders and senior teams, he helps them revisit and refine their strategy, identify key issues, plan for and drive change.
Ann Dering
Design and Development Director
Translated Dr Gerard Egan’s key change concepts into leadership and organisational development processes which underpin all CEL’s work. She has designed academic consultancy programmes and works with clients in the UK and Europe.
Andrea Gerrish
Business Director
Responsible for CEL’s business, commercial and management processes. She manages large scale change programmes and is a member of the consultancy team working on nation and international projects. Accredited by HayGroup to give 360˚ feedback.
Bridget Blanchard
Design Consultant
Responsible for developing the learning materials and work-based activities underpinning CEL’s core and bespoke programmes. Bridget also undertakes research to ensure CEL’s work is evidenced-based and informed by current practice.
Tracy Morris
Consultancy Coordinator and PA to Managing Director
Responsible for the management and administration of CEL’s bespoke consultancy projects.

Barbara Fisher
Key Client Account Coordinator
Responsible for the management of CEL’s regional and local leadership programmes and workshops.
Associates
Our work is supported by a team of skilled associates. They come from a variety of sectors, but all have had successful careers at senior management level.

John Tizard
An independent strategic adviser, non-executive director and commentator on devolution and ‘place’. He founded the Centre for Public Service Partnerships, at Birmingham University, which transferred to the Local Government Information Unit in 2010.
Fiona Butt
She is a qualified teacher and a former police Chief Inspector. She has extensive experience of leadership development and coaching, working with senior staff across education and public services. Accredited by HayGroup to give 360˚ feedback.
Steve McGuirk
Former Chief Fire Officer for Greater Manchester. Currently Chair of Warrington & Halton Hospitals Foundation Trust. Consulted internationally on the redesign of blue light services. Advises on the renewal and reconceptualization of public services.
